MasterChef: The Professionals star Monica Galetti is stepping down from the BBC One show.
The professional chef has been a staple on the show since it began over a decade ago, and now the star has confirmed that she will not appear on the new series - but didn't rule out returning in the future.
Explaining how she needed to focus on her family and her restaurant, Monica said she made the decision with a "heavy heart", as she thanked the team - including her colleagues Gregg Wallace and Marcus Wareing - for supporting her choice to take a break.
"It is with a heavy heart that I’ve made this decision to step back from filming this year’s series of MasterChef: The Professionals. My family need me, my restaurant needs me and trying to balance long filming days over the next three months with all these commitments meant that something had to give," she said.
"So, for the moment, my focus has to be 100% about my loved ones and rebuilding my kitchen team who have had a battering over the last few months especially. Those in the hospitality industry know just how tough it is at the moment."
In a statement, she thanked her "MasterChef family, crew and friends" for supporting her decision, she added: "I'm so sorry that I won’t be with you this year but I hope to be back soon. Thank you to both BBC and Shine TV for being so understanding of my decision but for this year I’ll be your number one supporter from the side lines."
"To my fellow judges and friends Marcus and Gregg – I’ll be watching – you’ve got this! If you’re ever unsure just think – what would Mon do?! See you soon!" she said as she concluded her lengthy message.
David Ambler, Executive Editor, MasterChef, added: "Monica is one of the most talented chefs of her generation, we have worked together closely for the past 14 years and regard her as an integral member of the MasterChef family.
"Our hope is this situation is just for this season and the door is always open for her to return."
*MasterChef: The Professionals will return to BBC One soon.
